STOKE PARK TO STAGE 2006 CHAMPION CLUB TOURNAMENT
The prestigious Stoke Park Club in Buckinghamshire has generously
agreed to host the English Golf Union’s Champion Club
tournament in 2006.
The 27-hole complex, near Windsor, which was called Stoke
Poges until it reverted back to its original name a couple
of years ago, will be the venue for the 36-hole event on 15-16
September 2006.
The origins of Stoke Park go back over 1,000 years. It was
a hunting estate for centuries, while the man responsible
for the present imposing clubhouse was John Penn, whose family
founded the State of Pennsylvania. The parkland was the work
of 18th century landscape designer Capability Brown.
It was a private residence until 1908, when ‘Pa’
Lane Jackson, founder of the famous Corinthian Sporting Club,
purchased it. He employed Harry Colt, who was responsible
for Wentworth, Sunningdale and Royal Portrush among others,
to design the 27 golf holes.
The estate went into decline during World War II when nine
holes were given over to cultivation. These were restored
by Donald Steel in recent times thanks to the club’s
current owners, the International Group.
Top professional tournaments have been staged at Stoke Park,
including for the past two years, The Mobile Cup on the European
Seniors Tour.
It has also become famous for playing a part in the James
Bond films Goldfinger and Tomorrow Never Dies. Scenes from
both were filmed at Stoke Park particularly the gold match
between Bond and Goldfinger.
Stoke Park has only staged one EGU event before. In 1985
it was the venue for the English County Champions Tournament,
when Hertfordshire’s Peter Robinson emerged triumphant.
The agreement for the Champion Club event completes the list
of 2006 venues, the highlights of which sees the Brabazon
Trophy return to Ganton, venue for the recent Walker Cup matches
against the United States, while the English Amateur Championship
goes back to Burnham & Berrow.
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